How Do You Paint Shutters?

Regardless of where you live in the United States, you must know how to paint shutters correctly for them to add to the curb appeal of your property for years to come. The methods you use for painting your shutters will be determined by the material that was used to make them. The thre most common types of shutters are made from vinyl, wood and plastic materials.

How to Paint Vinyl Shutters

Before you begin painting, you must clean the shutters first.

Start by spraying the shutters with water to remove most of the excess mold and mildew. Try to avoid using a power washer, because you’ll get the best results by using only your hands. Once you’re done washing the shutters, let them dry completely.

Most homeowners use basic exterior paint when painting their vinyl shutters. This is a mistake because regular paint doesn’t know how to handle the expansion and contraction properties of vinyl material, according to Home Guides. Choose a paint that is 100 percent acrylic and make sure to apply a latex primer first. The latex will help prevent pealing in the future.

Paint your shutters when the temperature is between 50 and 90 degrees, and avoid painting in the sunlight. If your vinyl shutters are still hanging on the exterior of your house, place tape around the edges to protect the wall. When painting vinyl shutters, you must use a brush that’s no wider than two and a half inches made from polyester or nylon. Use a downwards motion when painting, and always start at the top of each shutter to get the best results.

How to Paint Wood Shutters

Wood shutters are different than vinyl or plastic shutters and therefore require a slightly different procedure when painting them.

Start by washing the shutters with a power washer. You’ll want to use a power washer to remove excess paint chips and wood that has become loose. Let the shutters dry completely in the sun for at least one day before you plan on painting them.

When painting wood shutters, you can use basic exterior paint because it will protect the wood against all types of weather conditions and moisture. Start painting from the top and move downwards, covering as much as possible with one stroke. After you’ve applied the first coat, you’ll likely need a second coat of paint to get the best results.

How to Paint Plastic Shutters

The process of painting plastic shutters is similar to that of vinyl shutters.

Begin by washing and removing any mold or mildew and dirt from the shutters. Use a mixture that contains one part bleach and three parts water for best results and avoid using a power washer at all costs.

Choose a paint that is acrylic based to prevent any issues with spreading and condensing. Plastic is not a porous material, so basic exterior paint will not work. Start by painting in a downwards motion from the top of the shutters, and tape the edges of the pieces to avoid painting your wall. In order to get the best results, apply a second coat of paint after the first coat has dried completely.

Tips for Doing a Good Job

The following tips will help you get the best results from your shutter paint job:

Brush Strokes – The amount of pressure you apply when painting is very important, according to Behr. If you apply too much pressure, you’ll end up with unwanted brush strokes, while applying too little pressure will result in a thin layer of paint on the material. Focus on applying the right amount of pressure at all times.

Always Follow the Pattern – Some shutters have a pattern that is vertical while others follow a horizontal pattern. When painting, always follow the pattern to ensure you get even results from your work.

Excess Paint– Once you’ve finished painting, wipe off any excess paint that is left over, especially on the stiles. Use your brush lightly to smooth over any thick areas that may result in large dried drops and a paper towel when removing paint that has spilled onto the stiles.

A great shutter paint job can do wonders for the exterior beauty of your house. When choosing colors, stick to the trim color that you used to paint the gutters and areas around the doors. When you decide how to paint shutters, use the best method that applies to the material you’re working with, and give yourself plenty of time to complete the job without being in a rush.